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What Is a GERD Diet?

Burning feeling that starts in the lower chest and moves up the throat

Sour or bitter taste in the throat

Pain that increases with bending over or lying down

Feeling that food is coming back up

Why Should I Follow a GERD Diet?

Following a GERD diet can help you manage the symptoms of GERD. Changes to your diet are usually included along with other lifestyle changes and medications. If reflux is not treated, it can cause damage to your esophagus.

Eating Guide for a GERD Diet

It can be easy to make changes to your diet to treat GERD. There are two main categories to consider: How you eat and what you eat.

How You Eat

Making these simple changes can help reduce your GERD symptoms:

Avoid large meals.
Eating a large amount of food at one time puts more pressure on the muscle between your esophagus and stomach.

Stay upright during and after meals.
Avoid slouching or lying down during meals. Sitting upright at a table rather than slouching on the couch can keep stomach acid down.

Avoid eating within three hours of bedtime.
Lying down with a full stomach can make it easier for stomach acid to flow into your esophagus.

Pace yourself during meals.
Eating too quickly can make GERD symptoms worse. Eating in a relaxed environment may also be helpful.

What You Eat

Certain foods may trigger your GERD symptoms or make them worse. You may want to try keeping a food diary. Keep track of what you eat, when you eat, and your symptoms for 1-2 weeks. This may help you make connections between certain foods and GERD symptoms.

Common triggers include:

High-fat foods and fried foods
—These foods cause your stomach to empty more slowly, so there is more time for stomach acid to flow into the esophagus.

When you know what foods trigger your GERD symptoms, it is best to avoid eating them. Instead, eat foods that do not lead to symptoms. Here is a sample menu that shows how you can eat a variety of foods without aggravating your GERD.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.